Saturday, June 14, 2008

When I first moved to Paris I met a man that told me that this was a city of lessons. I immediately tuned him out, these ambiguous statements are too convenient and they are often accompanied by an exaggerated, world-weary look. Despite my obvious disinterest in his observation, he continued. “People that come to Paris are looking for an answer to a question they weren’t aware they asked.”

I don’t know if that is true or not but I thought of it yesterday as I was crossing the Pont de l’Alma. I watched as a man removed a ring from his finger, considered it for a time and let it drop into the Seine.

13 comments:

~Michelle~ said...

I find this completely fascinating ~ and true ~ as I received an answer to a question when I was in Paris.

czechmate said...

I have just discovered your delightful blog. Ironically it, too, is an answer to a question I didn't know I asked.

You are a spectacular writer. I foresee many sleepless nights ahead as I take in all your posts.

Anonymous said...

this is the genesis of a hitotoki... you should think about fleshing it out a little bit and send it to us! (hitotoki.org)

Karyn said...

I love this post. Beautiful. Poignant. Perfect.

LDP said...

Did he dive in after it?

MATTHEW ROSE said...

I've done that. Different bridge, same river.

A (Parisian) Seattleite back in Seattle said...

Hmmm...I'd never thought of moving to Paris this way.

Anonymous said...

Nice post. I've often wondered how my life would be different today if I hadn't blown off certain bits of good advice when I was younger.

Erin Swing said...

So wait . . . is Paris more like the Magic Eight Ball or the modern-day oracle? If the answer is the ladder, just don't tell the Greeks.

Anne said...

Beautifully written. I gave a little gasp.

Anonymous said...

I thought the answer was 42...?





z

Anonymous said...

i like that. i naively hope it's true.

LA Frog said...

I think anyone moving to another place/country is looking for an answer to a question (s)he isn't aware (s)he asked. It's the legacy of being a nomad. Beautiful post by the way. Deeply whimsical.